The hydrogen stand off: Who moves first?

The importance of having early commercialisation of the hydrogen sector and a clear route to market is needed to drive both supply and demand and breed confidence in the sector.

Hydrogen is increasingly seen as a possible panacea in the fight against climate change or at least a significant contributor to the decarbonisation challenge we all face. Its role in helping the Republic of Ireland decarbonise is made clear in the National Hydrogen Strategy where the Minister states: “Decarbonised gases like renewable hydrogen will have a key role to play in this transition and should become part of our future energy system.”

As with many emerging technologies, the hydrogen sector is facing a Mexican stand-off as to who will move first – supply or demand. The reality is both need to move in tandem. The role of government is also key to unlocking hydrogen’s potential. It needs to fast track the measures set out in the Hydrogen Strategy to give confidence to both sides in the development of this sector. It is widely recognised that funding to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen projects to meet fuel demand is needed as is clear government policy.

While innovation is moving at pace, the sector has faced some setbacks as projects that could demonstrate its long-term viability are delayed or fail to get off the ground. In many cases, developers cite end markets developing slower than anticipated as being a key reason.

If we look back at transformational innovations in the last century or more, whether it be telecommunications, power or, more recently, the internet, these inescapably involve risk-taking and investment. Typically, it is early adopters who will steal a march and lead the way which others will then follow.

“Indaver stands ready to invest and calls on others to join us to end the hydrogen stand-off and realise the full potential of this sustainable fuel source.”

Indaver already recognises the need to invest in hydrogen production and is willing to do so at risk – albeit a well informed and calculated risk.

Such pilot projects provide vital proof points for the industry. Companies like Irish Rail and Translink in Northern Ireland, who are currently developing or operating hydrogen fuel vehicles, are early adopters on the demand side, and they are to be commended. But more must signal their intention to follow and give the supply side the market confidence it needs to grow.

With planning approvals in place, we stand ready to construct a 10MW hydrogen electrolyser alongside our existing waste to energy facility in County Meath to contribute to Ireland’s emerging hydrogen economy. This will use an indigenous resource to produce valuable hydrogen, aligning with the 2024 Climate Action Plan and contributing to the island’s security of energy supply.

We are already engaging with various sectors across transport, power and wider industry to better understand hydrogen demand. Working collaboratively, we can provide reassurance that our supply can meet their needs and given the reliability of our fuel source, they can be confident in its relative stability and dependability. We are also using Meath as a test case for potential future roll out across our other current and future sites.

Importantly the project is of a scale that it can be viewed as a significant all-island demonstration project where key commercialisation learnings can inform future projects. We estimate that this one site has the potential to produce enough hydrogen to decarbonise the equivalent of 180 buses, or five to six freight trains per year.

Its location on the north-south road and rail corridors means it is uniquely placed to service transport networks across the island. The M1 is already part of the designated European Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) road network along which Ireland has committed to deploy hydrogen refuelling stations by 2030.

We know haulage companies are already considering how they can help their supply chain and customers to decarbonise their operations. This includes impressive development of hybrid dual fuel HGV vehicles which can deliver the CO2 savings equivalent of 15 EV vehicles in one day.

Things are moving in the sector, albeit not as quickly as is needed to meet our decarbonisation targets. Across road haulage, public transport, shipping, air travel and heavy machinery (where diesel fuel dominates), the potential of hydrogen to displace fossil fuels is being explored.

Indaver stands ready to invest and calls on others to join us and end the hydrogen stand-off, realising the full potential of this sustainable fuel source. We look forward to making this journey together.

For more information visit:
Hydrogen – Ireland
E: info@indaver.com